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Soil management shapes the functional diversity of the inter-row vegetation in Mediterranean vineyards
No full textWeed control in vineyards often relies on intensive tillage, which can negatively affect soil health. While cover crops offer potential benefits (such as weed suppression and soil improvement), they may also compete with grapevines. Few studies have examined inter-row management from a functional perspective. Understanding how soil management shapes inter-row plant communities is essential to support beneficial groundcover–vine interactions and foster plant assemblages that deliver multiple ecosystem services. To fill this gap, we assessed how different inter-row soil management strategies influence plant biomass, diversity, and functional traits (specific leaf area, height, and Grime strategies) in two farms in Chianti Classico (Italy). Treatments included tillage, mulched spontaneous vegetation, green-manured pigeon bean (Vicia faba var. minor), and a barley–clover (Hordeum vulgare–Trifolium squarrosum) mixture, either mulched or green-manured. This is the first research on the topic based on data of biomass by species. Soil management significantly influenced inter-row biomass, species diversity, and plant traits. Tillage reduced biomass and selected homogenous, high-specific leaf area communities. In spring, cover crops yielded more biomass than tillage; pigeon bean was most productive and led to less diverse plant communities. Mulched cover crops supported less competitive assemblages in autumn, though autumn sowing may increase erosion risks. Mulched spontaneous vegetation maintained permanent soil cover but selected stable, competitive plant assemblages. Overall, mulched groundcovers can enhance biodiversity without compromising grapevine yield. Alternating sown and spontaneous mulched vegetation presents a promising, sustainable alternative to tillage, promoting soil conservation and supporting functionally diverse plant communities in vineyard inter-rows
L’integrazione dei saperi umanistici e scientifici per una rigenerazione sostenibile del patrimonio
No full textRecovery, renovation, redevelopment, restoration of the built heritage and energy-related interventions are all operations that must go hand in hand, so as to pursue urban regeneration actions that provide for the historic built environment to cut energy costs, waste and use of non-recyclable materials without distorting stratified characters and values. Greener and sustainable historic cities are a possible and achievable goal, but getting there requires action through targeted measures
Search for the Bc+→ χc1(3872)π+ decay
No full textA search for the decay Bc+→ χc1(3872)π+ is reported using proton-proton collision data collected with the LHCb detector between 2011 and 2018 at centre-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb−1. No significant signal is observed. Using the decay Bc+ → ψ(2S)π+ as a normalisation channel, an upper limit for the ratio of branching fractions (Formula presented.) is set at the 90 (95)% confidence level
TUTELA E URBANISTICA NEL SECONDO DOPOGUERRA A VERONA
No full textThe Verona Master Plan was entrusted to Plinio Marconi, who had also been commissioned to
draw up plans for the cities of Rimini and Bologna. Piero Gazzola, the Superintendent,
participated as a counterpart and questioned a number of aspects of that instrument. The work
done by Plinio Marconi has been singled out among the 'example cases' of Italian cities linked in
the postwar period by aspects of monumental interest
Numerical Integration of Stochastic Differential Equations: The Heun Algorithm Revisited and the Itô-Stratonovich Calculus
No full textThe widely used Heun algorithm for the numerical integration of stochastic differential equations (SDEs) is critically re-examined. We discuss and evaluate several alternative implementations, motivated by the fact that the standard Heun scheme is constructed from a low-order integrator. The convergence, stability, and equilibrium properties of these alternatives are assessed through extensive numerical simulations. Our results confirm that the standard Heun scheme remains a benchmark integration algorithm for SDEs due to its robust performance. As a byproduct of this analysis, we also disprove a previous claim in the literature regarding the strong convergence of the Heun scheme
La Fisica del Suono e della Musica
No full textQuesto volume raccoglie e sviluppa i materiali elaborati negli anni per le lezioni dimostrative e divulgative tenute dall'autore presso i licei della Toscana e della Calabria, nonché nei corsi di aggiornamento per docenti organizzati dall'Università di Pisa, dall'INFN di Pisa e dal master IDIFO dell'Università di Udine. Il testo tratta di acustica, con particolare riferimento alla fisica della musica e al funzionamento degli strumenti musicali.
L'approccio è di tipo "hands on": per ogni argomento vengono proposti esperimenti molto semplici da effettuare a casa, con poca o nessuna abilità manuale e attrezzatura economica o addirittura a costo zero. Viene anche proposta la costruzione "scientifica" di semplici strumenti musicali come il flauto di Pan, la glassarmonica e la kalimba.
Il livello è concepito per essere più agile e divulgativo, rivolgendosi a un pubblico ampio con un minimo di background scientifico. Il libro può essere un valido complemento anche per gli insegnanti di fisica nei licei musicali e i loro studenti, che potrebbero trovare spunti utili per le attività di laboratorio.
La maggior parte degli esperimenti descritti utilizza un computer dotato di scheda audio e del programma di registrazione ed editing sonoro Audacity. Audacity è stato scelto perché è un programma gratuito, open source, attivo da diversi anni e con la prospettiva di rimanere aggiornato ancora a lungo
Fostering Novice Collaboration in ML-Based System Design Through Visual Languages and Touch Interfaces
No full textArtificial Intelligence is driving society toward an increasingly algorithmic future, advancing innovation through data-driven predictive analytics. At the core of this transformation lie advanced Machine Learning-based systems, which hold significant societal potential but often remain inaccessible to domain specialists due to their complexity. This reliance on computing experts limits the integration of domain knowledge and raises concerns about transparency and inclusivity. Drawing from research in HCI, Computer-Supported Cooperative Work, and Cognitive Load Theory, this work explores how Visual Programming Languages (VPLs) and touch-based interfaces can support novice collaboration in ML-based system design. We evaluate PyFlowML Touch, a touch-enabled extension of the previously developed PyFlowML system, which enhances node layout and introduces interactive feedback mechanisms tailored to co-located novice collaboration. Designed for domain specialists, PyFlowML guides users through the ML process and incorporates Explainable AI techniques to improve understanding of model behavior [81, 82]. In this exploratory study, a multifaceted evaluation combining cognitive walkthrough and heuristic inspection yields promising insights, suggesting that the touch-enabled interface can reduce intrinsic and extraneous cognitive load while promoting schema construction and collective ML understanding through interactive visualizations
From Pulper rejects to paper mill resources through double-stage thermal pyrolysis
No full textThis study investigates the transformation of pulper reject (PR), a challenging industrial waste from paper recycling, into energy resources via dual-stage pyrolysis. As paper recycling rates rise, the sustainable management of PR becomes increasingly critical. Despite its strong commitment to circular economy principles, the paper industry generates significant waste. Integrating PR valorization into the energy demands of paper mills enhances resource efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Characterization of PR from an Italian paper mill confirmed its potential for thermal and chemical valorization despite its heterogeneity. Pyrolysis tests achieved high conversion rates, yielding energy-rich gas and oil with low heating values of 33 MJ/kg and 32 MJ/kg, respectively. The system demonstrated resilience to feedstock variability, ensuring consistent performance. Process simulation scaled these findings to an industrial level, showing that 1800 kg/h of wet PR could generate over 1300 kg/h of superheated medium-pressure steam and approximately 2 MWe of electrical power. Environmental assessments indicated a 76 % reduction in CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuels, qualifying the gaseous fuel as a renewable Recycled Carbon Fuel under REDIII regulations established by the European Union. This study highlights the technical and environmental feasibility of PR valorization, supporting decarbonization in the paper industry. Further research should refine kinetic models and waste characterization to enhance process scalability and optimize industrial applications
Late bloomers in play: social isolation and playful skills in an adult bonobo
No full textSocial play requires communicative abilities that start developing since the first phases of life. Due to their paedomorphic nature, bonobos (Pan paniscus) tend to maintain a playful attitude also in adulthood. Here, we present the case of an adult bonobo (Congo) that has never had any contact with conspecifics in the first 40 years of life. In 2023, Congo underwent an introduction protocol at the Wilhelma Zoo. Prior to the data collection period, he had spent 8 months within the group. The aim was evaluating Congo’s playful social competence and his ability to react in a resilient way to others’ stimuli. The play sessions involving Congo and two juveniles (CPSs) were compared with play sessions occurring in other adult–juvenile pairs (OPSs). Compared to OPSs, CPSs were shorter and more punctuated by grooming pauses that were totally absent during OPSs. Despite increased grooming, CPSs had a higher risk of escalation into overt aggression from Congo frequently screaming during the interaction. Unlike other adults, Congo never rapidly replicated the partners’ playful facial displays, a phenomenon known as rapid facial mimicry. Despite Congo appearing to struggle to manage social play, he responded to other’s invitations, thus indicating a presence of play motivation. Albeit being just a case report, our findings emphasize the importance of adult play as a mechanism for social integration, even in individuals entirely unfamiliar with its nuances. Although animals engage in play early in life, it is never too late to play the game and strengthen social bonds